Speaking out: Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei says the recent and unexpected demolition of his Shanghai studio was a result of his political activism. (BBC News)

Secret of the eyes: An Italian researcher claims that the key to solving the enigmas of the "Mona Lisa'" lies in symbols in her eyes. (Associated Press)

End in sight?: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra makes a new conditional offer to striking musicians that could lead to the end of their 15-week-old strike. (Detroit News)

A whole new world: Disney's "Aladdin," a stage musical based on the 1992 animated movie, is set to open at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre in July. (BroadwayWorld)

Hold the gavel: Dennis Hopper's estranged wife files papers in a Los Angeles court contesting the auction of the late actor's artworks, including some by Ed Ruscha, Billy Al Bengston and Manuel Ocampo. (Los Angeles Times)

On the road: Touring Broadway shows contributed $3.35 billion to local economies in the U.S. during the 2008-09 season, according to a new report from the Broadway League. (Variety)

Blockbuster exhibition: The Seattle Museum of Art reports that its Pablo Picasso exhibit has broken attendance records with more than 325,000 visitors -- a new high for the museum's downtown location. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

Controversial: The University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology cancels an exhibit that was supposed to feature portraits of women who vanished from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. (Vancouver Sun)